Team:HKUSTers/Project

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Randomness.JPG


Randomness is everywhere!

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You may not have realized it, but randomness is very important even outside the casino. It plays an important role in mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science and even medicine. Randomness is often needed in reducing bias. Here are some examples of natural occuring random events:

>> Random motions of molecules that explains phenomena in thermodynamics and properties of gases

>> Random genetic mutations that lead to diversity of life and makes natural selection possible


True Randomness?

There are various scientific or social areas in which randomness is required for fair analysis. When random numbers are needed, they are usually generated by computers. The computers may use information say, time, and long complicated mathematical processes to generate the number. So, is this true randomness?? The result may actually just be determined by the time at which the generation is kicked start. It is still not absolutely random.

Therefore, we have decided to design a . . .

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This is going to be biologists' random generator. It is not just a biological slot machine, but a random number generator. The cell will have an either 0 or 1 state. By using more than 1 cell, a multi-digit binary number can be generated. The results cannot be controlled or altered by humans. It is true randomness!!! (yes, ideally)


Design

"Throwing the dice"

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The core part of the randomizer consists of a pair of overlapping T7 promoters having similar binding affinities. The T7 polymerase binds absolutely randomly onto either the left or the right promoter to give an either 0 or 1 signal eventually, i.e. a mutually exclusive binding event.

There are two operators on the sides of the promoters, they are c1434 and TetR operators.

Reciprocal inhibiton

Then there are TetR and C1434 repressor repressor genes on both sides respectively. A repressor protein can be produced to interrupt transcription on the other side of the circuit. For example, say, the T7 polymerase binds onto the promoter on the left side. The TetR repressor on the left, which was coded by TetR repressor gene, will bind to TetR operator on the right and repress transcription of right side of the promoter. This makes sures that

Final outcome

  • Continous production of GEP if the polymease binds to the left of overlapped T7 promoter
  • Continous production of REP if the polymease binds to the right of overlapped T7 promoter
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    The signal output is shown by green or red fluorescent protein (GFP/RFP) respectively.

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